buy name brand header, does it matter?

[evilkid187]

hey guys, i got a 96 civic dx and im switching the exhaust to an ex style. i got a tsudo fireball catback im going to be putting on but i need a header and converter too. im just going to be using the car for my daily transportation, not racing it so does it matter if i buy one of those header and converter combos you see on e-bay, they are stainless steel. Or should i buy something name brand like spoon. Does it matter? Im just wondering if anyones had a bad experience with any non-name brand converters or headers from e-bay or if they are fine to put on my car. any help will be appreciated. thanx in advance.

[daliumong]

Parts are only as good as how much money you spend in them. That's not saying that the most expensive parts will always work the best. There are always exceptions to the rules.

I live in California, so we have strict smog regulations. The thing about name brand parts is that some of them have the C.A.R.B. label, which makes them legal in the eyes of the cops. Also, name brands usually have extensive acoustic tuning to somewhat justify the cost. The headers are tuned in such a way that the sound waves from the exhaust are routed in a way to scavenge gases from the combustion chamber for the next cycle.

for just a daily driver, the price doesn't justify going for name brand headers. They might provide you with extra power, they might not, they might even drain power. They'll probably be lighter than the stock cast iron header, but the change in power might not be justifiable. The header might shift the powerband in your favor, it might not.

If it aint broke, dont fix it

[dragman99]

Originally Posted by evilkid187

hey guys, i got a 96 civic dx and im switching the exhaust to an ex style. i got a tsudo fireball catback im going to be putting on but i need a header and converter too. im just going to be using the car for my daily transportation, not racing it so does it matter if i buy one of those header and converter combos you see on e-bay, they are stainless steel. Or should i buy something name brand like spoon. Does it matter? Im just wondering if anyones had a bad experience with any non-name brand converters or headers from e-bay or if they are fine to put on my car. any help will be appreciated. thanx in advance.

the only thing about the header/cat combo is the cat is illegal no matter what state you're in. if you can get away with it, it'll do fine. but to keep the check engine light off you'll need an o2 simulator for the rear o2 sensor.(downstream)

[torturedsol]

Originally Posted by dragman99

the only thing about the header/cat combo is the cat is illegal no matter what state you're in. if you can get away with it, it'll do fine. but to keep the check engine light off you'll need an o2 simulator for the rear o2 sensor.(downstream)

Heh, the only good side to being in WV is the lack of emission laws.... they require a cat so the eBay one would work as long as it's not a testpipe.... meaning if it doesn't sound hallow you can pull it off.

Might wanna try a mid-grade header like the Megan racing one. I've had a few of their products and they're some good shit. Also search around I think there's a thread here where people posted their exp with Megan Racing.

As for the cat... if you're dead set on changing it, Order a catco or something from summitracing. They're smog leagal if I recall correctly

[torturedsol]

BTW, I ordered one of those eBay header/"converter" combos so I'll take pics of it and post them up

[crohnman6]

i have the megan racing headers and they work great real cheap too under 100

[dragman99]

Originally Posted by torturedsol

As for the cat... if you're dead set on changing it, Order a catco or something from summitracing. They're smog leagal if I recall correctly

he has a y7, if he changes the stock manifold he has to delete the stock cat.

[DirtyDC4]

FYI - Spoon doesn't make D-Series stuff.

[Pazzio1]

used dc stuff can be reasonable too.

[crohnman6]

Unless he's in Cali he doesnt really have to worry about emissionsbut if he is i guess he'll have to get a name brand one.

[jimmyb34]

ive got a megan racing header and test pipe, fit fine and look good too

[RaveN1814]

Originally Posted by DirtyDEF

FYI - Spoon doesn't make D-Series stuff.

Depends on what "stuff" your talking about.

Here are is some "stuff" spoon makes that you can use:

Carbon Kevlar Direct Air Flow Pipe
Drop-In Filter Replacement
All Suspension Parts
Both of their axle backs
Their B-Pipe if your have a hatch
Any of their cooling system stuff (i.e. radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, etc.)
Doesn't really matter but, all interior and exterior acc. as well.

[hondajosh]

It matters a GREAT DEAL!! Ive seen ebay headers make less hp and trq than a stock ex manifold.......if you are on a budget just get an ex manifold!!

[1991rex]

Originally Posted by RaveN1814

Depends on what "stuff" your talking about.

Here are is some "stuff" spoon makes that you can use:

Carbon Kevlar Direct Air Flow Pipe
Drop-In Filter Replacement
All Suspension Parts
Both of their axle backs
Their B-Pipe if your have a hatch
Any of their cooling system stuff (i.e. radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, etc.)
Doesn't really matter but, all interior and exterior acc. as well.

also seen a spoon header listed on ebay for a d15/d16 so i guess they make exhaust too for the d series, they were also in a header comparison i believe on this very site

[evilkid187]

ok..thanks everyone...ill have to do some looking around

[Sonny7730]

hmm, tseudo fireball. i've got the same exhaust.

[natedawg421]

some of the best headers(Jun, Toda, spoon) are around 1000 almost.It's alot for one part, but they would make crazy power in conjunction with a good setup. The SMS would probably be the best for a d.